Negative Effects Of Sunscreen

While sunscreen is a widely used product, not many consumers are aware of what sunscreen is made of or the chemicals it contains in the product. Labels on sunscreen often read ‘UVA and UVB Protection’ or ‘Paraben and Oxybenzone Free’ but not all users understand what the difference is or the hazards that these chemicals pose to the body. Many are uninformed of the harm that UV rays can do, like the fact that the surface of the eye can be sunburned, despite physicians recommendation for the daily use of sunscreen. Sunscreen’s purpose is to provide a shield from the sun’s harmful rays. It is used to avoid sunburn and prevent skin cancer and premature aging of the skin. UV radiation stands for ultraviolet radiation. UV radiation is only a fraction …show more content…
Both have different effects on the body and in both filters, there are chemicals that are potentially harmful on the body. Most sunscreens use chemical filters and usually contain one or a mix of the following chemicals¬ “oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate”(EWG). Mineral filters usually contain titanium dioxide of zinc oxide. Some products, although very few, mix zinc oxide and chemical filters as well. While chemical filters filter light, mineral sunscreens actually stop light from reaching the skin, acting as a barrier rather than slowing down the light. Mineral sunscreens are more opaque because of the way they work to protect the skin and are more white in color. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are usually the chemicals used in cosmetics that offer sun protection. This causes the white reflection that can be seen in photographs.The chemicals in sunscreen often pose some sort of hazard to the body, whether it be skin penetration, hormone disruption, allergies, or inhalation concerns. Some sunscreen chemicals may even mimic hormones and therefore disrupt the hormone system. Some research suggests that some sunscreen chemicals are toxic to the reproductive